A Journey through the BVI
The BVI is famous for its crystal clear waters, its white sand beaches and, last but not least, its sailing and diving. Join us on a journey through the British Virgin Islands. We will introduce you to its people, its culture, activities and sights, and show you what makes this archipelago of dozens of islands, islets and cays so very special.
Rising dramatically out of the sea, the British Virgin Islands are a world apart. There is no jetport offering direct flights from the US or Europe, and this is a good thing. People have to spend a little more time to get here, the and because of this, the BVI has no franchises or cookie cutter hotel chains. It is a place for “people in the know,” who enjoy being active: soaking in the sun, sailing or swimming and exploring.
BVI islands come in a range of sizes from Tortola, the largest, to Sandy Spit, a small swathe of sand. It is said that there are 50 or so of them, but who’s counting? Each isle offers something unique – whether it’s a pristine sandy bay, a jumble of gargantuan boulders, or a beach bar proffering a plate of conch fritters and a Painkiller.
The BVI’s sheltered sailing waters and closely positioned islands ensure that the seas are never too rough for a comfortable sail, and that the next port of call is a mere hour or two’s sail away. The British Virgin Islands’ main waterway is the Sir Francis Drake Channel, named after the famed 16th century adventurer who used the route to launch his attack on the Spanish armada anchored in nearby Puerto Rico. Today, the same channel is sailed by dozens of modern-day explorers, charter yachtsmen in quest of a tropical cocktail in one of the area’s many picturesque anchorages.
Known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the BVI pioneered the concept of bareboating (a charter boat without a captain or crew). There is also plenty here for the non-sailor: from hiking in a rainforest to sunbathing, or visiting a rum distillery. Dozens of beautiful villas are nestled into the hillsides with jaw dropping views of the sea and surrounding islands, and there are many beachside hotels from the modest to the exclusive. Is your style, a private island resort with valets, spas and endless pools, or do you prefer, a locally run property where you will get an insight into local culture and get to know the owner and staff personally?
The British Virgin Islands has always prided itself on being different. In today’s bustling and over-stressed world, the Territory offers an enviable lifestyle, one that is slower paced and a little more gracious. The BVI is a place where people take the time to say “Good Morning” when they pass you in the street, and where you may have to slow your car down for a herd of goats crossing the road.
The BVI is often referred to as one of “Nature’s Little Secrets”. In today’s world of the Internet and glossy travel magazines it’s hard to keep a secret. But there are still plenty of things left to discover.
This tour through the British Virgin Islands will, in turns, be insightful, entertaining and informative. As you read on, you will learn more about the BVI’s history, its culture, geography, flora, fauna, and personalities – just a few of the attributes that make these islands a place of both sophistication and simplicity.
We will highlight various aspects of life in these Virgin Islands: a topic that might have caught our attention, something new to the BVI, or just something that we thought you would like to know. You will find the latest information on Covid and how it relates to the BVI. Because of the pandemic’s impact, some activities listed on the site might not be currently available. But even so, they remain a relevant window into the BVI and its varied offerings. – Claudia Colli, Publisher
